Sounds like a trick question, right? So how often should you replace a monthly disposable contact lens?

a. once a month

b. when you can’t see out of it anymore

c. when your eye starts producing odd-looking goop

d. every 2-3 weeks

The correct answer, for many of our patients, is every 2-3 weeks. Even though lenses such as Biofinity (CooperVision), Air Optix Aqua (CibaVision) and Pure Vision (Bausch & Lomb) are marketed as monthly lenses, I find that for many patients the 4th week of wear is noticably less comfortable than the first 2 or 3 weeks. If a lens is feeling less comfortable there’s a good chance it’s causing irritation to the cornea and inflammation under the upper eye lid–changes that can affect your future ability to comfortably wear contact lenses.

I often suggest to my patients that they replace their contact lenses about 2 days before the lenses typically start to feel less comfortable. For many patients, that means replacing a monthly disposable contact lenses every 2-3 weeks.

Dr. Ally Stoeger provides annual eye examinations for all age groups, medical eye care, contact lens examinations and Lasik surgery co-management in the Gainesville-Haymarket area of Virginia. Her practice at GH Eye has a superb collection of basic and high tech lenses and the latest in fashion frames for adults and children.